Comprehension
Read the given passage and answer the six questions that follow.
Free will is the ability to decide and act free from any influence of past events or environment. It implies complete freedom to make any choice absolutely. We clearly don't have free will. Our decisions and actions are never divorced from our past.
We have a conditioned mind. Our memories, past impressions and experiences bias and shape our thoughts and actions in the present. It is our karmic imprint. Not just what we are born with, but also what we accumulate while living. We can consider it as the result of our genetic code, upbringing and environment. It's our backstory.
The only way to experience free will is to get rid of all such conditioning; to neutralise our karmic imprint; to be independent of our psychological coding. That’s possible only if we can purify our mind by letting go of all our ego, attachments and fixed beliefs. Then we can reside in the truth of our being.
The above is an exacting definition of free will. What we commonly mean by free will is that we have a choice in most situations like, who you choose to marry, what profession you pursue or how you react to someone’s aggression. Sounds reasonable. But here’s the catch. Our ability to make that choice too is significantly restricted, dictated by our predispositions.
This applies even to our ability to bring about change within ourselves. Despite a strong resolve to be calmer, kinder or less anxious, our ability to manifest that change depends, partly on our emotional and mental wiring. That’s why some people succeed in such efforts more than the others.
If you wish to expand the scope of your agency, explore ways to engage in sustained inner work, deepen your self-awareness, examine and reform your conditioned beliefs. But then, I wonder if your inclination to embark on that journey too depends on your current karmic coding.
Free will is the ability to decide and act free from any influence of past events or environment. It implies complete freedom to make any choice absolutely. We clearly don't have free will. Our decisions and actions are never divorced from our past.
We have a conditioned mind. Our memories, past impressions and experiences bias and shape our thoughts and actions in the present. It is our karmic imprint. Not just what we are born with, but also what we accumulate while living. We can consider it as the result of our genetic code, upbringing and environment. It's our backstory.
The only way to experience free will is to get rid of all such conditioning; to neutralise our karmic imprint; to be independent of our psychological coding. That’s possible only if we can purify our mind by letting go of all our ego, attachments and fixed beliefs. Then we can reside in the truth of our being.
The above is an exacting definition of free will. What we commonly mean by free will is that we have a choice in most situations like, who you choose to marry, what profession you pursue or how you react to someone’s aggression. Sounds reasonable. But here’s the catch. Our ability to make that choice too is significantly restricted, dictated by our predispositions.
This applies even to our ability to bring about change within ourselves. Despite a strong resolve to be calmer, kinder or less anxious, our ability to manifest that change depends, partly on our emotional and mental wiring. That’s why some people succeed in such efforts more than the others.
If you wish to expand the scope of your agency, explore ways to engage in sustained inner work, deepen your self-awareness, examine and reform your conditioned beliefs. But then, I wonder if your inclination to embark on that journey too depends on your current karmic coding.
Question: 1
The author argues that humans don’t have "free will" because_______.
The author argues that humans don’t have "free will" because_______.
Updated On: Oct 29, 2024
- our decisions are shaped by past events and environmental influences
- we are born with pre-determined choices that we are forced to make
- we are always dictated by our mind to make irrational choices
- human beings are born slaves of social constructs and expectations
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The argument is that past events and influences shape our decisions.
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Question: 2
"Karmic imprint" referred to in the passage implies________.
"Karmic imprint" referred to in the passage implies________.
Updated On: Oct 29, 2024
- the ability to bring about change in oneself
- our genetic code, upbringing and environment
- the truth of our being, our individuality
- the wrongdoings and vices of our past lives
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
"Karmic imprint" refers to our genetic code, upbringing, and environment.
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Question: 3
"Free will" can be experienced if________.
"Free will" can be experienced if________.
Updated On: Oct 29, 2024
- we embrace our past experiences and conditioning
- we make choices without considering the consequences
- we let go of our ego, attachments, and fixed beliefs
- we accumulate more and more karmic imprints
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
"Free will" can be experienced by letting go of ego and attachments.
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Question: 4
The author proves that the idea of "free will" is a myth by suggesting that_________.
The author proves that the idea of "free will" is a myth by suggesting that_________.
Updated On: Oct 29, 2024
- our ability to make a choice is restricted by our predispositions
- we are unable to bring a change in ourselves
- our choices are solely guided by the current environment
- our choices are completely independent of past events and our genetic code
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The argument is that predispositions restrict our ability to make choices.
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Question: 5
What does the author propose as a means to expand the scope of one’s agency?
What does the author propose as a means to expand the scope of one’s agency?
Updated On: Oct 29, 2024
- Making choices frequently and impulsively
- Engaging in sustained inner work and self-awareness
- Holding on to fixed beliefs and stringent mindsets
- Ignoring one’s past experiences and dispositions
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Self-awareness and inner work help expand one’s agency.
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Question: 6
What do you think could be a suitable title for this passage ?
What do you think could be a suitable title for this passage ?
Updated On: Oct 29, 2024
- Definition of "Free Will"
- Our backstory – key to a successful life
- Do human beings really have "Free Will"?
- Making Choices – Every Man’s Prerogative!
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
"Do human beings really have Free Will?" best fits the content.
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Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
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THE FAIR ISLE METHOD: Fair Isle knitting is a traditional technique that involves using two or more colours of yarn in a single row to create intricate patterns and designs. This method requires careful tension management to ensure even stitches and prevent puckering. To begin, select your colours and cast on the desired number of stitches. As you knit, alternate between colours every few stitches, carrying the unused yarn along the back of the work. Mastering the Fair Isle technique allows you to create stunning visual effects in garments, accessories, and home textiles.
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